School of Rock
Random article All articles A–Z
2 languages

Francy Boland

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Francy Boland, in full François Boland, was a Belgian jazz pianist, composer and arranger. He was born on 6 November 1929 in Namur and died on 12 August 2005 in Geneva. He received a classical training and first attracted attention in 1949. In Belgium he played with Bobby Jaspar and Sadi, among others, including in the Bob Shots. In 1955 he joined Chet Baker's quintet.

Music and breakthrough

After that Boland moved to the United States, where he arranged for Count Basie, Benny Goodman, Woody Herman and Dizzy Gillespie. With the drummer Kenny Clarke he led an octet, whose recordings were released on Blue Note, such as The Golden Eight from 1961. Back in Europe he became Kurt Edelhagen's most important arranger. In 1961, with a rhythm section built around Clarke, the bassist Jimmy Woode and himself, he founded the Kenny Clarke Francy Boland Big Band.

Influence

That big band quickly became one of the most famous to exist outside the United States, with albums such as Out of the Background and Open Space in 1967 and 1969. After it broke up in 1972, Boland concentrated on composing. From 1976 he lived mainly in Switzerland and wrote arrangements for Sarah Vaughan, among others. His importance lies in the proof that large-orchestra jazz could also take on a distinctive, high-quality form in Europe.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to a track by the Clarke Boland Big Band and notice how the arranger lets the saxophones and the brass answer as separate groups. Try to hear where the band stops and a soloist is left alone.

Discography

Studio albums

Categories: Artists